• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
  • E-Book
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
  • E-Book
Home General The True Price of Honesty
  • General

The True Price of Honesty

By
Prnigeria
-
September 15, 2024
Salim Yunusa, PRNigeria Young Fellow
Salim Yunusa, PRNigeria Young Fellow

The True Price of Honesty

By Salim Yunusa,

Less than two weeks ago, an act of kindness made waves across Nigerian social media. Auwal Ahmad Dankode, a cleaner at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, discovered $10,000—about N16 million—left behind by a passenger. Rather than pocket the money, he promptly returned it. While many praised his honesty and integrity, a vocal section of netizens, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), insulted him, calling him “naïve” and “clueless.” They argued that as a cleaner, he might never see such a sum in his lifetime.

In response, Auwal stated simply that he had been taught not to take what did not belong to him and that he acted to please Allah. Despite his clear moral reasoning, the backlash from some young Nigerians reveals a troubling trend: a growing disbelief in honesty and selflessness.

But Auwal’s story is just one among many.

There are countless Nigerians whose acts of integrity and bravery have gone largely unnoticed. Consider the late Lieutenant-Colonel Abu Ali, who died fighting Boko Haram, or Drs. Stella Adadevoh and Dora Akunyili, who gave their all in service to the nation. There’s also Yakubu Modu Fannami, a young student who sacrificed himself to prevent a female suicide bomber from entering a crowded mosque. We must also remember Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who saved over 300 Christians during an unrest in Jos.

These are the true heroes of Nigeria, yet their stories often fade into obscurity. Auwal, the cleaner, was promoted by his employer and commended by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), but beyond that and the online insults, little else came of his selfless act. Similarly, Fannami’s sacrifice is mostly remembered in Facebook tributes. Should the price of being good in Nigeria be neglect and underappreciation?

Read Also:

  • FG Rejects “Christian Genocide” Claim, Minister Tuggar Cites Constitutional Safeguards
  • COAS Shakes Up Army Command, Redeploys Senior Officers Nationwide
  • Tinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat Terrorism

The NOA could take the lead in recognizing and rewarding these selfless acts, ensuring that those who embody the best of Nigeria are celebrated. This would help inspire younger generations to embrace honesty, patriotism, and kindness. A national program that shines a spotlight on these unsung heroes could foster a culture of integrity in a society where greed and corruption often overshadow decency.

At a time when crime and corruption are glamorized, and the pursuit of wealth often takes precedence over integrity, we cannot afford to overlook the importance of promoting goodness. Society reflects what it celebrates. When those who do good are neglected or mocked, while wrongdoers are rewarded, it sends a message that honesty is futile.

The outcry when the Nigerian government proposed granting amnesty to insurgents is a case in point. Citizens were justifiably angry that criminals could be absolved of their heinous acts while law-abiding citizens continue to struggle. Likewise, it is disheartening to see the best graduating students in schools rewarded with paltry gifts like books, while beauty queens and musicians are showered with cars and money. What does this say about our values?

It is crucial that we begin to reward acts of integrity and discipline in meaningful ways. The NOA, working with government agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and even private companies, can help create a system that recognizes and promotes good deeds. This would not only encourage others to follow suit but also restore hope in the idea that honesty and selflessness are valued in Nigeria.

The media also plays a vital role in this. Rather than focus solely on bad news, Nigerian media outlets should highlight positive stories like Auwal’s. This would help shift the narrative about Nigeria, both at home and abroad, away from the negative headlines that often dominate discussions about the country.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s reputation has been tarnished by the actions of a few bad actors. Around the world, Nigerians are sometimes treated unfairly based on the perception that we are a nation of scammers and criminals. However, stories like Auwal’s remind us—and the world—that honesty and integrity still thrive in our society.

In a world that often celebrates success at any cost, be like Auwal Dankode. The poor cleaner returned a fortune he found, not because he had to, but because he believed it was the right thing to do. His example, and others like it, show that there is still hope for a Nigeria where goodness is valued above all else.

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Auwal Ahmad Dankode
  • Malam Aminu
Previous articleExcellence, Building Trust, Networking Key to PR Success – Expert
Next articleSEAMAN ABBAS HARUNA: Defence Chief Orders  Investigation Over Alleged Torture, Illegal Detention of Navy Personnel by Senior Officer
Prnigeria
Prnigeria

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Tinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat Terrorism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with newly appointed service chiefs

Tinubu to Service Chiefs: End the 2009 Security Crisis Once and for All

NSCDC Deploys 10,250 Personnel for Anambra Guber Poll, Warns Against Violence

Abbas Takes Command, Declares Zero Tolerance for Maritime Crimes, Plans Fleet Overhaul

ICPC Reiterates Commitment to Accountability, Justice Reform, Youth Reorientation

Kano Police Nab 2 Armed Robbers, Recover Vehicle Stolen from NAF Officer in Abuja

IGP Appoints Pioneer Director for Medical Services Directorate

Gen CG Musa, President Bola Tinubu, Maj Gen Emmanuel Emmanuel Undiandeye

EXCLUSIVE: How DHQ Operatives Foiled Bloody Coup Plot Targeting Nigeria’s Top Leaders

NDLEA Promotes Kogi Strategic Commander Umar Mustapha Yahuza to Assistant Commander General

NAF Chief Alfa, Badeh and Aneke

List of Nigeria’s Chiefs of Air Staff: NAF Leadership from 1963 to Present

Nigerian Police Force

Press Freedom: Police Authorities Vow to Strengthen Collaboration with Journalists

Tinubu Grants Clemency to Selected Convicts, Transfers Mercy Committee to Justice Ministry

Recent Posts

  • FG Rejects “Christian Genocide” Claim, Minister Tuggar Cites Constitutional Safeguards
  • COAS Shakes Up Army Command, Redeploys Senior Officers Nationwide
  • Tinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat Terrorism
  • Troops Eliminate Bandits, Rescue Hostages in Zamfara, Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno
  • Military Neutralises Insurgents, Recover Logistics in Gwoza Ambush
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
FG Rejects "Christian Genocide" Claim, Minister Tuggar Cites Constitutional SafeguardsCOAS Shakes Up Army Command, Redeploys Senior Officers NationwideTinubu Decorates Service Chiefs, Charges them to Defeat TerrorismTroops Eliminate Bandits, Rescue Hostages in Zamfara, Repel ISWAP Attack in BornoMilitary Neutralises Insurgents, Recover Logistics in Gwoza AmbushTrump Orders Pentagon to Resume Nuclear Weapons TestingTinubu to Service Chiefs: End the 2009 Security Crisis Once and for AllCourt Remands Lawyer, Four Others Over Cyber Stalking and Extortion of Senator Shehu BubaAVM Aneke Assumes Command as 23rd CAS, Vows to Strengthen Air Power, National SecurityNSCDC Deploys 10,250 Personnel for Anambra Guber Poll, Warns Against ViolenceAbbas Takes Command, Declares Zero Tolerance for Maritime Crimes, Plans Fleet OverhaulMaj. Gen. Shaibu Takes Over as 25th COAS, Vows to Uphold Legacy of Exemplary LeadershipArmy Captures High-Profile IPOB/ESN Suspects, Neutralizes Terrorists in Nationwide OperationsICPC Reiterates Commitment to Accountability, Justice Reform, Youth ReorientationKano Police Nab 2 Armed Robbers, Recover Vehicle Stolen from NAF Officer in Abuja
X whatsapp